The Northern Territory is a step closer to being part of the trilliondollar international space industry with NASA and Equatorial Launch Australia(ELA) ready to launch their sounding rocket program in 2020 from the ArnhemSpace Centre.
ELA is developing a commercial spaceport inEast Arnhem Land, with a sub-orbital rocket launch facility planned for thesouth west of Nhulunbuy.
In more great news for the project, theNT EPA has deemed the centre to not have a significantenvironmental impact and does not require an environmental impact assessment. Thiswill indicate to the global space industry that the Territory is truly open forbusiness.
In March this year the Territory Labor Government released the TerritorySpace Industry 2020 strategy, outlining the governments plans to growthe Territorys space industry, create jobs and connect local businesses to theglobal space economy which is expected to grow to US$1 trillion by 2030.
The Territory is uniquely positioned to benefit from the space economyas its proximity to the equator, its coastline and sparse population makes itideal to support safe and efficient space launches.
The Arnhem Space Centre will be a significant sitein the Asia pacific region and will attract new business and investmentopportunities to East Arnhem Land and the Northern Territory.
ELA is anticipated to start construction of theArnhem Space Centre in early 2020.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
The Territory Labor Governments number onepriority is to create jobs, and this project is doing that creating jobs ofthe future.
We are supporting a new and exciting industrywhich will grow both the East Arnhem Land and Northern Territory economy. Itwill also further support Nhulunbuys transformation from a mining town to atown which is a strong economic and services hub.
NASAs selection of Equatorial Launch Australiaand the Arnhem Space Centre site is another important and critical step forthis exciting project which has the potential to unlock new opportunities forthe Gove Peninsula and drive the economic development in the Territory.
Quotes attributed to Equatorial Launch AustraliaCEO, Carley Scott
NASAs work with ELA is a big win for the localcommunity, building confidence in another pathway to future industryopportunities in a region that is transitioning away from traditional mining.
"Developing East Arnhem Limited continue toprovide strong support to the region, the investigation of space is a testamentto their innovative approach and commitment to finding new economic pathwaysinto the future."
"The Gumatj Corporation are pivotal and willcontinue to be at the forefront of discussions about how the site willprogress, and how opportunities can be brought into the region for the Yolngupeople as we all continue to grow together"
